Save me from breaking something (headgasket question)

[Oldmactech]

Working outside gonna be warm and a Sunny for a few days so I’m itching to get the head out but my timing kit won’t arrive for 2-3 more days.

I want to pull the vanos and the cams but don’t want to break anything without locking everything down .

I have watched and re-watched a bunch of YouTube’s on pulling the cams but still makes me nervous.

I guess my question is if I set the the crank to TDC and stick an exstemsion or something into the lock hold can I get the cams out without breaking something. I know about the 40degree twist to free up the lifters and about using a3-a5 to relieve the tension but having never done this, sorta clueless.

Am I jumping in the wrong end of the pond?